Outcome measures for oncology alternative payment models: practical considerations and recommendations.

OBJECTIVES: This paper aims to synthesize existing scholarship on quality measures in oncology, with a specific focus on outcome-based quality measures, which are often underutilized. We also present a set of "core outcome measures" that may be considered in future oncology alternative payment models (APMs). STUDY DESIGN: Our research consists of a focused literature review, content analysis, and quality measure synthesis and categorization. METHODS: We conducted a focused literature review to generate key evidence on quality measures in oncology. We studied 7 oncology quality assessment frameworks, encompassing 142 quality metrics, and synthesized recommendations using the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation APM toolkit, focusing on outcome measures. RESULTS: We present 34 outcome-based oncology quality measures for consideration, which are classified into 5 domains: clinical care (eg, hospital and emergency department visits, treatment effectiveness, mortality), safety (eg, infections, hospital adverse events), care coordination (for hospital and hospice care), patient and caregiver experience, and population health and prevention. Both general and indication-specific outcome measures should be considered in oncology APMs, as appropriate. Utilizing outcome-based measures will require addressing multiple challenges, ranging from risk adjustment to data quality assurance. CONCLUSIONS: Oncology care will benefit from a more rigorous approach to quality assessment. The success of oncology APMs will require a robust set of quality measures that are relevant to patients, providers, and payers.

Evaluación del riesgo materno neonatal durante el embarazo / Evaluation of Maternal Neonatal Risks During Pregnancy

El país no cuenta con un instrumento validado para la identificación del riesgo obstétrico. El control prenatal es un programa de tamizaje multifásico, en el que se identifica el riesgo obstétrico de la paciente, con el fin de generar la atención específica que ésta necesite con base en el riesgo identificado. El control prenatal es la prueba tamiz para detectar el alto riesgo obstétrico durante el embarazo. No se ha validado con criterio científico la consulta prenatal como herramienta de tamizaje del riesgo obstétrico. El contenido de las consultas prenatales parece ser más ritualista que el producto de un programa de control de salud racional. Para complicar aún más la evaluación del control prenatal, hay un efecto variable según las poblaciones. No existe ninguna duda sobre la amplia aceptación que tiene el control prenatal en el país. Aunque existe un consenso general sobre muchos factores prenatales y perinatales que aumentan el riesgo obstétrico, no se encuentra en la literatura un acuerdo que permita calcular tal grado de riesgo. Algunos de los registros disponibles comercialmente se han incorporado a los sistemas de puntuación de alto riesgo con el fin de clasificar a las pacientes en categorías de alto y bajo riesgo.

CCORT/CCS quality indicators for congestive heart failure care.

BACKGROUND: Quality indicators are measurement tools for assessing the structure, processes and outcomes of care. Although quality indicators have been developed in other countries, Canadian cardiovascular disease indicators do not exist. OBJECTIVE: To develop quality indicators for measuring and improving congestive heart failure (CHF) care in Canada. METHODS: An 11-member multidisciplinary national expert panel was selected from nominees from national medical organizations. Potential quality indicators were identified by a detailed search of published guidelines, randomized trials and outcomes studies. A two-step modified Delphi process was employed with an initial screening round of indicator ratings, followed by a national quality indicator panel meeting, where definitions of the indicators were developed using consensus methods. Indicators were designed to be measurable, using retrospective chart review and linking existing administrative databases. RESULTS: The case definition criterion was developed based on a discharge diagnosis of CHF (International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision [ICD-9] code 428.x), with diagnostic confirmation using clinical criteria. In total, 29 indicators and five test indicators were recommended. Process indicators included prescription for angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, beta-blockers or warfarin (for atrial fibrillation) at hospital discharge. Nonpharmacological in hospital process indicators included evaluation of left ventricular function, weight measurement and selected patient education counselling instructions. Process indicators in the ambulatory setting included prescription and adherence to drug therapies and physician follow-up. Outcome indicators included mortality, readmissions and emergency visits. CONCLUSIONS: A set of Canadian quality indicators for CHF care encompassing organizational attributes, pharmacotherapy, investigations, counselling, continuity of care and disease outcomes has been developed. These quality indicators will serve as a foundation for future studies evaluating the quality of CHF care in Canada.

Sistema de residencias y relación costo/beneficio con respecto a otros sistemas de atención médica / Residence system and cost/benefit related to other medical assistance systems

Ante el planteo del problema de si la residencia es un adecuado sistema de asistencia, y frente al desconocimiento de la relación costo/beneficio en la atención médica por residentes, y con el objetivo de comparar un grupo de variables (número de diagnósticos, uso de exámenes de laboratorio, mortalidad global y días de estadía) entre pacientes asistidos por la Residencia (1990-1991) y por la Planta (1986-1987), se estudiaron retrospectivamente 609 pacientes, en quienes se registraron sexo, edad, diagnósticos efectuados, días de estadía, uso de métodos complementarios y condiciones de alta. Los resultados arrojaron una estadía por paciente más corta, un mayor número de diagnósticos, mayor índice de sobrevida y menor índice de mortalidad en pacientes asistidos por la Residencia, con un mayor costo en el uso de métodos de laboratorio